State-level environmental officials of the United States, Mexico and Canada presented at COP24 on Sub-National Strategies to meet Paris commitments. These initiatives have been seen as key to mobilize, support, tackle pressure points for national commitments and negotiations.
At the panel were present Ken Alex, Director of Governor’s Office of Planning & Research with the State of California, George Heyman, British Columbia Minister of the Environment & Climate Change Strategy, Ben Grumbles, Secretary of the Environment from the State of Maryland and Floriberto Vasquez Ruiz under the Secretary of Climate Change and Biodiversity for the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.
The panelist emphasized the importance of working with other sub-national entities to build coalitions. The CGG coalition was mentioned as an important body to mobilize this group. The groups reported different types of collaboration and support from national group, however, felt proud that at the subnational level was at the fro of the efforts and not catching up.. There was mention of the use of litigation to protect sido f the efforts of the subnational. Level whenever the federal governments have tried to cut down on environmental protection programs or standards. However, coordination and good relations with the federal governments were seen as vital.
Some of the key areas that they emphasize were subnational level parties can make a big difference in cutting emissions was in sectors of transportation, energy, and monitoring. Ken Alex from the State of California takes about a few innovative projects that they have been contemplating or have already been implemented. ¨We have added new technology to small satellites to help us identify gas-methane leakages¨ In our state we identified 300 points that make up 80% of the total of the leakage. We are excited about this project and hope it can be used in other parts of the world.¨ California as one of the top 5 economies in the world on its own is seeking to make up for its environmental footprint and approach climate change action with new technologies and innovative ideas. ¨In terms of transportation and automated vehicles, we haven consider food delivery vehicles that could attach to public transportation to reduce total mileage per vehicle.”
Sub-national initiatives and collaborations are not only necessary to support and implement the national commitments but key pieces of a multilateral effort. The efforts and collective achievements presented by the participants demonstrate that sub-national parties are not just catching up with the federal agendas but take ownership in their own initiatives and can subsequently accelerate and increase in many cases commitments proposed at the national level. This not only shows a way forward for climate change action but also enhances the process by making it more democratic and participatory.